Rental Property Rules in King County, WA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Rent Control

Washington state law (RCW 35.21.830) preempts local rent control in King County and all Washington jurisdictions. Neither King County nor any city within it may cap rent increases. Landlords must follow state notice requirements for rent increases under RCW 59.18.140 (minimum 60 days notice typically, 180 days in some cases).

King County Rent Control Rules

Heavy Restrictions

RCW 35.21.830

RCW 35.21.830 Controls on rent for residential structures — Prohibited — Exceptions. The imposition of controls on rent is of statewide significance and is preempted by the state. No city or town of any class may enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances or other provisions which regulate the amount of rent to be charged for single-family or multiple-unit residential rental structures or sites oth...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

No-Fault Evictions

Since 2021, Washington's just-cause statute RCW 59.18.650 prohibits no-fault evictions of month-to-month tenants. Landlords in King County must cite one of sixteen enumerated causes such as nonpayment, lease violation, owner move-in, or substantial rehabilitation.

No-Fault Evictions Sharply Limited Statewide

Heavy Restrictions

RCW 59.18.650

RCW 59.18.650 Eviction of tenant, refusal to continue tenancy, end of periodic tenancy — Cause — Notice — Penalties. (Effective until January 1, 2028.) (1)(a) A landlord may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated in subsection (2) of this section and as otherwise provided in this subsection. (b) If a landlord and tenant enter...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Repairs & Habitability

Unincorporated King County's amended property maintenance code requires landlords to keep every dwelling unit, guest room, and bathroom heated to 70°F, and bars using the stove as a substitute heat source.

King County Rental Unit Heat Requirement

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 16.14.540

Dwellings units and guest rooms shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 70 F. (21.1 C), bathrooms and toilet rooms. Cooking appliances shall not be used to provide space heating to meet the requirements of this section.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗